Our union and the State of Nebraska have reached an agreement on wage rates and a reclassification process for new Office of Economic Assistance Social Services Worker job classifications. The agreement will allow for a career progression for OEA Social Services Workers and allow workers to be paid at higher rates based on their assigned programs and duties.
Four years ago, our union suggested that the state create a series of job classifications to provide a career progression for Social Services Workers, to better compensate employees with more training and skills to work multiple programs. Under state law, the State of Nebraska has the sole authority to create a new job classification, however, once created, the pay and benefits must be negotiated with our union.
While regular contract negotiations take place each even numbered year between September and December under state law, mid-term negotiations can take place if both the State of Nebraska and our union agree to do so and agree on the topics that will be discussed.
This summer, the State of Nebraska created four new job classifications: OEA Social Services Worker I, II, III, and IV. Our union then agreed to negotiate over the wages outside of the statutory negotiations period. We reached an agreement on wages for each job classification, and a temporary reclassification process for current Social Services Worker and Lead Social Services Worker. A copy of the agreement, including new wage rates, is available here. The new job descriptions are available from State Personnel here.
New pay rates took effect on August 24, 2026. New pay rates are calculated using the promotion/demotion formula in our contract at Article 11.8 & 11.9. If the minimum salary of the new job classification is greater than the promotion formula, employees will receive the higher rate.
If you have questions regarding this agreement or the reclassification process, please contact your union representative.